The Raceboard class is proposing a change in class rules to reflect a change of policy: this will be submitted to ISAF for approval this November after the AGM in Bulgaria. The Raceboard Class looks forward to a close co-operation with all brands and producers working on ‘hybrid’ boards. [more] Commenting on these proposed changes, Paul Leone, Chairman of the Raceboard Class, has stated the following “The essence of the Raceboard class should continue to be an open class with daggerboard, which includes but is not limited to the Olympic board (therefore some tolerance beyond the measurements of the Olympic board and rig is acceptable and beneficial). This class should continue to differentiate itself from the formula class, while evolving to include developments in design to make the equipment more competitive in 4 to 30 knots , more modern, more fun and more appealing. The class should continue to ‘reward’ tactical abilities, speed and fitness. Should a hybrid board not be selected for the next games, the class will work to develop the new hybrid equipment so that it is ready for selection for the 2012 Olympic Regatta. This move will naturally require close partnership with the industry who will receive a draft of the proposed class rules in the next few weeks. Given the go-ahead, by the Class Annual General Meeting in Bulgaria and approval by the ISAF November Conference, the new rules will come into force at the beginning of next year.” In parallel with these changes, the Raceboard class has also submitted an application to ISAF proposing to manage the Olympic class should one of the hybrid boards with a daggerboard be selected for the 2008 games in China. The preliminary proposed new class rules are summarised as follows: >Hull Length: 2800/2850 – 380mm >Hull Width: max 900 mm >Hull Weight: Minimum 12 kg (including mast track, excluding foils and straps) >Tail fin depth: 600mm >Centreboard depth: 850mm Max. >Sail Size: 8.5/9sqM > >No of sails: 2 > No of fins: 3 >No of centreboards: 2
